Shivaji Memorial in Agra

• 11 Aug 2025

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has asserted its plan to construct a memorial dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Agra’s Kothi Meena Bazar, marking a significant step in promoting tourism and cultural unity.  

Key Points 

• The UP government will fully fund the project, with no external collaboration. 
• Construction of the project will be led by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. 
• The government is preparing to begin work on the memorial and museum, with a focus on ensuring cultural and historical accuracy. 

Key Monuments in Agra and Their Builders 

• Agra was founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi of the Lodī dynasty in 1504. 
• Agra Fort 
  • Builder: Akbar (initial construction), Shah Jahan (major structures) 
  • Prominent Buildings: 
    • Moti Masjid: Built by Shah Jahan 
    • Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience): Built by Shah Jahan 
    • Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience): Built by Shah Jahan 
    • Jahangiri Mahal: Built by Akbar 
    • Sheesh Mahal (Turkish Bath): Built by Shah Jahan 
    • Gardens: Built in Charbagh style, typical of Mughal architecture 
• Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula 
  • Builder: Noor Jahan (wife of Jahangir) 
  • Uniqueness: First Mughal structure made entirely of white marble. 
• Taj Mahal (UNESCO World Heritage Site) 
  • Builder: Shah Jahan 
  • Uniqueness: Finest example of Mughal architecture, built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Arzuman Bano Begum). Known for its grandeur and opulence.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 

• About: Born on 19th February 1630, at Shivneri Fort, Pune was a visionary leader from the Bhonsle clan and the founder of the Maratha Empire, known for resisting the Mughal Empire and striving for self-rule.  
• Major Battles: Battle of Pratapgad, Battle of Pavan Khind, Sacking of Surat, Battle of Purandar, Battle of Sinhagad, and Battle of Sangamner.  
  • The Wagh nakh, was used by Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan in the 1659 Battle of Pratapgad.  
• Titles: Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas, and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak.  
• Administration: Centralized administration with the Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers), abolished the Jagirdari System, implemented the Ryotwari System, and built a strong naval force for coastal defense.  
  • Shivaji is renowned for his innovative guerrilla warfare tactics, which influenced subsequent rulers and shaped the Maratha Military Landscapes.